"Dear Steve, I saw a patient this morning with your book [in hand] and highlights throughout. She loves it and finds it very useful to help her in dealing with atrial fibrillation."

Dr. Wilber Su,Cavanaugh Heart Center, Phoenix, AZ

"...masterful. You managed to combine an encyclopedic compilation of information with the simplicity of presentation that enhances the delivery of the information to the reader. This is not an easy thing to do, but you have been very, very successful at it."

Ira David Levin, heart patient, Rome, Italy

"Within the pages of Beat Your A-Fib, Dr. Steve Ryan, PhD, provides a comprehensive guide for persons seeking to find a cure for their Atrial Fibrillation."

‘The Top 10 List of A-Fib Patients’ Best Advice’ is a a consensus of valuable advice from fellow patients who are now free from the burden of Atrial Fibrillation. From Chapter 12, Beat Your A-Fib: The Essential Guide to Finding Your Cure by Steve S. Ryan, PhD (beatyoura-fib.com)

Top 10 List of A-Fib Patients’ Best Advice♥ Please, share the advice ♥

Other A-Fib patients have been where you are right now. So far, 99 patients have shared their personal experience with Atrial Fibrillation (starting with the Steve Ryan’s story in 1998).

Each story is told in the the writer’s own words. Some stories are brief and concise, some are retold like diary entries, other stories read like a suspense novel. Some stories are straightforward, others unfold and span years, even decades. Symptoms vary, and treatments choices run the full gamut. Many writers include their email address if readers want to contact them directly.

While many writers are now A-Fib free, some are not, but have found the best outcome for their situation.

Nevertheless, all our writers have the same objective—to offer you hope, to encourage you, and to bolster your determination to seek a life free of A-Fib.

One of the best things we’ve ever done at A-Fib.com is setting up the Positive Thoughts/Prayer support group. When you have an important treatment decision or an upcoming procedure or surgery, you can contact our volunteer group and ask for their support.

My Personal Experience: Prayer and Positive Thoughts

At A-Fib.com, we believe in the healing power of prayer and of positive thoughts!

Instead of just writing about this phenomenon, I experienced it myself when I asked the group for positive thoughts & prayers for the success of my upcoming intestinal surgery on March 28, 2018.

So may people emailed me such heartfelt support it brought tears to my eyes. It was very encouraging to know I wasn’t alone, that so many cared about me. Can’t thank you all enough! (BTW: My post-op is going well.)

Are You Seeking Guidance from a Higher Power?

Additional Reading

The Anatomy of Hope: How People Prevail in the Face of Illness by Jerome E. Groopman. Written by an oncologist and citing actual patient cases (mostly cancer), Dr. Groopman explores the role of hope in fighting disease and healing. Top scientists are interviewed who study the biological link between emotion and biological responses; the most relevant studies are reviewed.

The author shows how hope, belief and expectations can alter the course of our lives, and even of our physical body. HOPE works! (Read my review on Amazon.com.)

I’ve seldom been so happy to write about an A-Fib success story (actually an update)! A story that had such a miserable beginning.

A-Fib at 17 and Started Losing Sight!

Eighteen months ago, I wrote a story about 21-year-old Ashley Mogg from Jamaica. Her A-Fib was horrible. Her first A-Fib attack came at age 17 when she had just stopped playing field hockey. Ashley wrote:

Ashley Mogg from Jamaica

“I was feeling extremely unfit. My heart rate sped up and my chest got tight. My throat felt like it was closing, and I was starving for a breath. Then the most frightening thing happened―I started losing my sight! Pitch black was all I saw. I could hear my friend talking to me through it. It was so scary for me.”

Her doctor told her losing sight was a symptom of pre-faint or pre-syncope. Her stress test showed a heart rate that at times went up to 270 bpm.

Clinical Depression Sets In

To make matters worse, her cousin died suddenly. Then Ashley had to have an appendectomy which revealed a low grade Neuroendocrine tumor (cancer). Coupled with her dreadful A-Fib symptoms, she became extremely depressed and anxious (clinical depression is all too common in new A-Fib patients). She also suffered weight loss and became very thin.

No A-Fib Centers in Jamaica

Unfortunately, when I researched resources for her I couldn’t find any A-Fib centers or Electrophysiologists in Jamaica. It was heart breaking that such a young woman had such a debilitating case of A-Fib, and I couldn’t find anyone near her to take care of her.

November 2016: Asking for Funding and Help for Ashley

Dr. Natale confirmed that there was no EP lab in Jamaica and would try to find money from the A-Fib industry to help Ashley.

In addition, I sent Ashley’s story to Dr. Andrea Natale, a master EP with a world-wide reputation. A colleague of his, Dr. Francesco Santoni, emailed me that he tries to help arrhythmia patients in Jamaica through the Rotary Club and another foundation. Travis Smith, President of the Rotary Club of Downtown Kingston, Jamaica championed Ashley’s cause.

Dr. Natale suggested we work withDr. Lisa Hurlock in Kingston, Jamaica at the University of the West Indies who could follow her arrhythmia. She met with Ashley and her mother, Loretta. Dr. Natale confirmed that there was no EP lab in Jamaica. He said he would try to find money from the A-Fib industry to help Ashley.

Dr. Natale’s Heroic Efforts to Help Ashley―Biosense Webster Donation

Dr Andrea Natale

Dr. Natale obtained a donation from Biosense Webster(Johnson & Johnson) to cover travel expenses for Ashley and her mother to St. David’s Medical Center, Austin, TX including lodging, food and transportation. He also arranged for St. David’s to waive all fees for Ashley’s catheter ablation. The Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Foundation accepted donations to help Ashley. Barbara Thomas and Amy Dixoncoordinated everything at St. David’s.

(I probably don’t have all the names of everyone involved in helping Ashley. Please email me if I haven’t mentioned you or someone else who helped.)

Ashley, mom Loretta and hospital staff

July 2017: Ashley Has Her Ablation & is A-Fib Free!

On July 19, 2017, Ashley had her ablation. She is now A-Fib free. It was performed by Dr. Natale and his team at St. David’s Medical Center, Austin, TX. Since then, she has written that she is doing fine and has started college in Jamaica (she wants to go to medical school).

In an excerpt from her personal story (written before her ablation became a reality), Ashley shared these lessons learned:

“Educate Yourself―Find the Best Doctors Available. If you live in a country like myself where there are very few Electrophysiologists or heart rhythm specialists, find a reliable cardiologist as well as a general doctor who know your history. Do maximum research on your own and with your doctor and health care professionals. Stay informed.

…Stay positive…You are NOT ALONE!”

Remarkable for a 21-year old who has had a rapid beating heart since childhood.

March 2018 Update: Email from Ashley’s Mother

Loretta Mogg, Ashley’s mother recently wrote me:

Ashley and her mom, Loretta

“I am Loretta Mogg, the mother of Ashley Mogg. I want to express a heartfelt thanks to you for posting my daughter’s story and seeking help for her.

Just a little update. After nearly a year since her ablation, she is back in University and doing well. She is still determined to become a doctor.

Thank you for allowing God to use your own experience to change the life of another. Blessings to you and your family.”

Thanks to All, Especially to Dr. Natale

I don’t know if we’ll ever understand how a young 17-year-old woman could develop such awful A-Fib symptoms. (Perhaps it related to her cancerous appendectomy.)

Faith and a Purposeful Life

Kudos to Ashley for not giving up with all she went through! She’s an incredible young woman. She had to grow up fast. She became a woman of faith with a purposeful life. In her own words, “It takes prayers and positive thinking to keep living with peace of mind.”

Be Inspired: You, too, Can Help Others With A-Fib

Offering hope:Having someone you can turn to for advice, emotional support, and a sense of hope that you can be cured, may bring A-Fib patients (and their families) peace of mind.

We are blessed to have many generous people who have volunteered to help others get through their A-Fib ordeal (not all are ‘cured’). To learn more and how you can join the effort, see my article: ‘Want to Become a A-Fib Support Volunteer?

We’ve posted a new personal A-Fib story by Martin Johnson from Champaign, IL. His story also includes a post-script by his doctor, Dr. Phillip Cuculich, Barnes-Jewish/Washington University . Martin did a lot of research in his years with A-Fib. He learned about the Medtronic ECGI vest, an advanced mapping technology and about its inventor, and the benefits of the contact force sensing catheter.

Martin Johnson

Martin’s A-Fib first occurred in 2003 during a game of underwater hockey (an extreme sport requiring swimming under water while pushing a lead puck from one end of the pool to the other).

Martin shares with us:

At first, I thought “well I did just swim 25 yards under water as fast as I could, so maybe this is just normal”. It lasted about 20 seconds. The attacks quickly increased their duration to a couple hours each over the next couple months. I was forced to give up the game I’d been playing since age 37.

For the first couple of years I only got attacks after physical exertion. As time went on, less and less exertion was required to trigger one. After going through 6 different drugs, most of which had no effect, one of which almost killed me and another that modified my attacks, I had no net improvement.

“My EP’s prognosis was―’ever more often, ever longer attacks until I would be in permanent A-Fib’”.

After seven years with A-Fib, I was getting approximately 24-hour long attacks about every four days plus occasional attacks triggered by physical exertion.

I had my first RF ablation in July of 2010. Two hours after the ablation, I was in A-Fib again.

By Martin Johnson, Champaign, IL. March 2018
With a post-script by Dr. Phillip Cuculich, Barnes-Jewish/Washington Un.

Martin Johnson

“My first A-Fib attack that I noticed, occurred in 2003 when I was 55 years old during a game of underwater hockey, an extreme sport requiring swimming under water while pushing a lead puck from one end of the pool to the other.

At first, I thought “well I did just swim 25 yards under water as fast as I could, so maybe this is just normal”. It lasted about 20 seconds.

The attacks quickly increased their duration to a couple hours each over the next couple months. I was forced to give up the game I’d been playing since age 37. I switched sports to softball, but that soon became impossible too, as I got an A-Fib attack every single game (but oddly, never at a practice).

A-Fib Progresses―Attack Just Sitting at Desk

For the first couple of years I only got attacks after physical exertion. As time went on, less and less exertion was required to trigger one.

I had my first attack without any kind of physical exertion while sitting at my desk at work. It scared me enough to see the local EP who recommended that I get an ablation. I thought that was too aggressive and instead started to try various drugs.

“My EP’s prognosis was―’ever more often, ever longer attacks until I would be in permanent A-Fib’”.

After going through 6 different drugs, most of which had no effect, one of which almost killed me and another that modified my attacks, I had no net improvement. My EP’s prognosis was “ever more often, ever longer attacks until I would be in permanent A-Fib”.

By 2010, I was getting approximately 24-hour long attacks approximately every four days plus occasional attacks triggered by physical exertion.

My First Ablation

I had my first RF ablation in July of 2010. I asked the EP if I should be in my natural A-Fib before the ablation, so that he could locate the problem cells. He said ‘no’. Instead, he induced A-Fib chemically. His approach was to isolate the PVs and draw several other lines in the left atrium. He then ablated the cells that he could detect taking part in the A-Fib that he induced.

He successfully got my heart back into Sinus Rhythm (SR), and was unable to further induce A-Fib. His OR report says that he expected this to have been a cure. (An O.R. [Operating Room] report describes what the EP did during the ablation.)

Two hours after the ablation, I was in A-Fib again.

In A-Fib Again―Leads to a Second Ablation

My A-Fib attack timing continued without letup— 24-hour-long attacks every 4 days. I agreed to a second ablation 6 months later.

“Two hours after the ablation, I was in A-Fib again.”

The OR Report for the second ablation was essentially the same as the first, and so were the results. After both ablations, I acquired new arrhythmias that annoyed me even while not in A-Fib. After about 6 months, the new arrhythmias abated, and my A-Fib pattern changed to 24 hours every 7 days—a small but welcome improvement.

Over the next five years, the attacks became longer and more frequent— by Jan 2016, I had 45 hours of A-Fib every 7 days.

Third Ablation? I Needed an Edge

Still I was not optimistic about a third ablation considering my previous poor results.

Medtronic ECGI vest

I decided I needed an edge—something that might be able to find whatever oddball A-Fib cause made me difficult to cure. The one thing that stuck out in my reading was the Medtronic ECGI vest used in Bordeaux, France by Dr Haissaguerre and others. [SeeHow ECGI (Non-Invasive Electrocardiographic Imaging) Works.]

The 256 electrode ECGI vest enabled the graphic display of the electrical activity of the heart passively and totally non-invasively. Unfortunately, Dr Haissaguerre’s office would not respond to any of my attempts to contact him. And I learned that the FDA would not permit the use of the vest in the US as part of an ablation procedure.

Travel to St. Louis Where the ECGI Vest Was Invented

It seemed that all doors to the vest were shut. After some investigation, I discovered that the vest had actually been invented in the US at Washington Un. in St. Louis, MO. In January 2016

“I volunteered for a study…that might help me get use of the vest in spite of the FDA.”

I called up the inventor’s lab to get as much information as I could. I volunteered for a study with the hope of making connections that might someday help me get use of the vest in spite of the FDA.

In January 2017, I went to St Louis and got a CT scan and a vest recording for the study I had volunteered for. While there, I noticed a Dr. Cuculich come into the lab to borrow a vest. I immediately thought, this is the guy I need to keep track of.

FDA Approves Medtronic ECGI Vest―My New Hope!

Then the next month, Feb 2017, the FDA approved a commercial version of the vest made by Medtronic for use with A-Fib ablation.

By this time, I was having 48 hour attacks every 4 days. I called Medtronic to get a list of who in the US had bought the vest and who had any experience using it. To my relief, Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St Louis was one of only four buyers, and Dr Cuculich already had experience using the vest on non-A-Fib applications.

Now that I had located a possible vest practitioner, I still had to resolve other concerns. In particular, even Dr Haissaguerre in France didn’t use the vest on paroxysmal A-Fibbers. He only used the vest on patients with permanent A-Fib. I don’t know why. I was convinced that being in my natural A-Fib and not in chemically induced A-Fib, was essential to find the real causes. I also knew that I could put myself into A-Fib by physical exertion.

Example of Contact force catheter (Biosense Webster)

Another Technology Edge: The Contact Force Catheter

Another technology that seemed important was the technique of dragging the catheter in order to burn a continuous line, rather than trying to burn individual dots. To help with this, a contact force catheter also seemed necessary. I first became aware of this due to a paper written by Dr Natale of Austin, TX. (see Resources below for article.)

A Concern: I Don’t Want to Lose My LAA

Another concern of mine was the insistence by some EPs to electrically isolate the Left Atrial Appendage (LAA).

“…in my mind…if the ablation worked, there would be no advantage to having closed off the LAA.”

During A-Fib, the blood in the LAA becomes stagnant, permitting the formation of clots.

But cutting off incompletely understood parts of one’s heart seemed exceedingly rash. Also, if the ablation worked, there would be no advantage to having closed off the LAA. So, closing off the LAA was just preparing for a failed ablation, in my mind.

About the Left Atrial Appendage (LAA)

What little is known about the LAA includes the fact that it is the source of heart stem cells needed for repair of the heart.

It was once thought that the heart cells you died with were the same ones you were born with. The latest belief is that about 40% of your heart is replaced during a full life.

This is a function I did not want to lose.

The LAA is also the source of a hormone which helps control blood pressure. The LAA also has a pumping function in parallel with the Left Atrium. And electrically isolating the LAA can often significantly reduce the contractile function of the LAA, thus making it a source of clots even when the heart is not in A-Fib.

Consulting Dr. Phillip Cuculich at Barnes-Jewish/Washington Un.

I called up Barnes-Jewish to inquire about my above listed concerns. Dr Cuculich called back and assured me that he was able and willing to meet all these requests:

1) Use the ECGI vest during ablation even though I’m paroxysmal;
2) To expect me to be in my organic A-Fib;
3) After getting me into Normal Sinus Rhythm, chemical induction of A-Fib was OK to track down more problems;
4) Use a contact force catheter and draw continuous lines rather than dots;
5) Leave my LAA electrically and physically intact.

Third Ablation―Running Up Flights of Stairs

The night before the scheduled ablation, I ran up and down a flight of stairs ten times which put me in my organic A-Fib in preparation for the following morning’s ablation.

I woke up in NSR! The doctor noted that an A-Fib source in a pulmonary vein was active, but was already successfully being blocked by the ablation.

In Normal Sinus, But Short Bursts of A-Fib

Since the ablation 3.5 months ago, I have had about 15 A-Fib attacks totaling about 7 hours of A-Fib. [It’s not uncommon for A-Fib to reoccur during the three month ‘blanking period’ following an ablation.]

I believe every attack was triggered by drinking cold water. It took me a while to figure that out. I have not had an attack for the last month, during which I was able to remember ‘no cold water’!

Lessons Learned

For future reference: I read that Dr Cuculich was the lead investigator in a study of a totally non-invasive ablation procedure that uses the Medtronic vest to find the problems and ‘multi-beam focused radiation’ to ablate the errant heart cells.

I’m hoping that if I my A-Fib comes back, that the FDA won’t have been as slow permitting this new method, as they were with the vest (see Resources below for link.

In light of my experience, I would recommend that no one get an ablation without the advantage of the Medtronic ECGI vest. Without it, the EP is only guessing.

Using canonical ablation patterns that might have worked on some group of A-Fibbers, or using the old fashioned way of dragging a sensing catheter along the entire inner surface of a beating heart looking for electrical anomalies, is laughable to me.

It’s no wonder that my first EP couldn’t find the A-Fib sources inside my coronary sinus and right atrium. I welcome your emails.”

Marty Johnson
martyj1949(at)yahoo.com

Comments from Dr. Phillip Cuculic

Phillip Cuculich, MD

“Thank you, Steve, for the chance to reply [to Martin’s A-Fib story]. And thank you, Martin, for sharing your story with the world. Brave patients and advocates like you are a powerful combination in today’s world of medicine.

Our understanding of any arrhythmia mechanism falls into two bins: the initiating event (triggers) and the sustaining circuit.

Over the past several decades, invasive procedures have identified common locations that harbor AF triggers, which is how pulmonary vein isolation has been an effective procedure to control AF for most patients. In general, we as a field have struggled in identifying reproducible non-PV triggers and the sustaining AF circuits.

One reason for our struggle is the tools with which we measure. A second reason is that each person’s AF is different, so the findings of one group of patients is not easily applicable to an individual patient that I meet for consultation.

Martin’s experience with noninvasive ECGI is a wonderful example of personalized medicine: treating an individual patient’s AF physiology. Credit for the development and clinical validation of this technology goes to the scientists, clinicians and industry development teams which include Dr. Yoram Rudy (Washington University), the amazing scientists who graduated from his lab, the intrepid clinical and investigational teams in Bordeaux, France, and the hard-working developers at CardioInsight and Medtronic.

Presently, thoughtful application of noninvasive ECGI is getting us closer to personalized AF treatment. Further development, testing, and refinement of the ECGI system is underway. While there is much more to accomplish in understanding the critical components of each individual patient’s AF, one cannot help but hear the hope dripping from the story that Martin shared.”

Editor’s Comments

I admire Martin’s tenacity in seeking his A-Fib cure after two failed catheter ablations. He educated himself about his disease and its treatments. Then he sought out an EP who would meet his needs, even drawing up a five-point check list to discuss before his third ablation. Well done, Martin!

Martin’s O.R. Report: Dr. Cuculich found all Martin’s PV’s were still not isolated or had re-connected. After his two previous ablations, all Martin’s PVs had connected/re-connected. Dr. Cuculich also found many gaps in Martin’s previous roof and mitral isthmus ablation lines.

ECGI Vest Found Hard-To-Map Drivers: The Medtronic ECGI Vest mapping system found Non-PV driver areas in Martin’s heart that easily could have escaped notice with routine mapping systems, areas such as the Coronary Sinus, Left Superior Pulmonary Vein and lateral Right Atrium.

During Dr. Cuculich’s ablation, Martin’s A-Fib/Flutter terminated when his Coronary Sinus was effectively ablated and isolated. This is considered the best outcome of an ablation. Most EPs would have stopped at this point. But because the Medtronic ECGI vest had indicated there were more A-Fib signal sources not yet ablated, Dr. Cuculich ablated those areas as well.

Medtronic ECGI Vest Very Effective! Martin’s A-Fib was a difficult case after two failed ablations. Instead of the usually 2-3-hour ablation, Martin’s took 5 hours, probably because the previous 2 ablation lesions made the third ablation more complicated.

The Medtronic ECGI Vest seems to be a major advance and improvement in the treatment of A-Fib. It certainly worked in Martin’s case. But at this time, few centers in the U.S. are using it and are only beginning to develop significant experience. This is because Medtronic wants the system to work as best as possible before making it more widely available.

What this means to patients: If you have persistent A-Fib or would be considered a potentially difficult case, try to find a center or EP with experience using the Medtronic ECGI Vest (even though you may have to travel.) It seems to be the next major advance and best mapping/ablation system on the market.

Pat Truesdale’s Atrial Fibrillation was very symptomatic and she could not tolerate any of the medications. In her personal A-Fib story, she shares how keeping an A-Fib Diary helped her cope. Through interpreting her log entries, she learned what triggered her A-Fib, what signs indicated an A-Fib attack was coming on, and some actions she could do that helped her during an A-Fib episode:

Pat Truesdale, now A-Fib free

“…I began to learn what activated my A-Fibs and what helped during my episodes. This was a real discovery about me! I learned that ice drinks, full meals, and caffeine all triggered my A-Fibs. I started a diary to record all my symptoms.

With Steve’s [Ryan] suggestion and my local cardiologist’s, I now know I have Vagal Lone A-Fib. This means certain conditions can trigger my A-Fib attacks. This is what I learned triggers my A-Fib:

• Knowing A-Fib would occur after exercising while I am resting. • Take a tablespoon of Mylanta • Yoga breathing • lf ice water brings it on, ice water sometimes reverts it! • Drink plenty of water all day • Blowing into a straw lowers the pulse rate, but does not stop the A-Fib • Don’t Panic – Have a “This Too Shall Pass” attitude
• Walk around, but don’t exercise since my pulse is too high already
• Take 200 mg of magnesium 3X a day
• Take a B complex vitamin every day

Doing her detective work helped her make a treatment choice:

…I wanted to get this procedure over quickly. I wanted to start feeling like a normal human being again! So, I trusted my local cardiologist’s choice and had the [ablation] procedure.”

Pat’s diary of her A-Fib triggers is not unusual, especially for people with Vagal A-Fib (though not everyone will be affected by the same triggers).

But the symptoms she describes as predicting or forewarning her A-Fib attack are new and very insightful. (Thanks for sharing, Pat.) Her list of things that helped her get through A-Fib episodes may also be helpful to you.

Be a Sleuth: Keep an Episode Diary

Share your log with your doctors

You, too, may be able to predict when you’re going to have an A-Fib attack. Start by keeping a log or diary of your A-Fib episodes for three or six months. When an episode occurs, note the day & time, duration and what you were doing, eating or drinking.

As you collect data, scrutinize your log entries for patterns and specific triggers. This may lead you to lessen or eliminate certain foods or beverages or even activities that appear to trigger your A-Fib. You may want to share your log with your doctor.

Don’t be discouraged if you don’t find a pattern, not every log will be revealing. A-Fib seems to have a mind and schedule of its own that’s often hard to predict.

Harlan Alpern, M.D., Cooperstown, New York, wrote me about his unusual A-Fib trigger and a way he successfully controls his A-Fib attacks:

“I am a 72-year-old retired physician who developed atrial fib (lone and paroxysmal) at age 61. My initial trigger was a strong emotional stress event.

Although I have the common triggers for A-Fib including alcohol, coffee, and lying on my left side, the principal trigger for me for A-Fib is emotional stress (and negative emotions especially since I have given up alcohol and caffeine.). This can come from something as simple as watching an emotional or scary movie or television show. I had such an episode this evening which prompted my email to you.”

An Unusual A-Fib Episode Treatment

Xanax, generic name: alprazolam

Dr. Alpern went on to describe an A-Fib episode treatment that works quickly for him. Maybe it will work for you, too.

“I have found a therapy that gets me out of A-Fib within 15 minutes. I take a 1 mg tablet of Xanax and lie on my back in the dark. I occasionally check my heart with my stethoscope. Within 15 minutes I am back into sinus rhythm.

My current cardiologist told me he was not aware of Xanax being a therapy to affect cardio version from A-Fib into sinus rhythm, however my internist kindly provides me a prescription for the Xanax. (I have a New York state medical license but dropped my DEA license after I retired in 2007 so that I cannot order it for myself.)”

I read Dr. Alpern’s email with interest and wrote back to him:

Thank you for sharing what gets you out of an A-Fib attack. I have one similar story about Xanax (a minor tranquilizer). An A-Fib.com reader, Sally, wrote me that her A-Fib comes on at night and is very severe, preventing her from sleeping. “I get up and take Xanax 0.5 mg, and within 15 minutes or so, the A-Fib stops. And I can go to sleep.”

Conquering Your A-Fib Episodes

Share what’s working-email me.

Xanax and Beta-Blockers: Xanax (alprazolam), though primarily used for the treatment of anxiety disorders, appears to have beta-blocker properties. Beta-blockers are typically prescribed to treat high blood pressure and heart problems, and they are prescribed off-label for anxiety. Xanax is a different kind of drug, a benzodiazepine, that is a type of tranquilizer.

But be advised it’s recommended to not take Xanax on a regular basis for more than 2-3 weeks because of the danger of addiction.

Using Xanax for Your A-Fib? Anyone else using Xanax to help with their A-Fib attacks? To tell me about it, just email me.

Scary Movie A-Fib Trigger: I have never heard of a simple emotional stress such as a scary movie triggering an A-Fib episode. Does anyone else have a similar trigger? Email me and share your experience.

Eleven years of living in A-Fib is a long time. I’ll urge him to talk with his electrophysiologist about a catheter ablation. (I had mine 20 years ago and am still A-Fib free. I’m age 77 and very active.)

“My life is back. I no longer live in the A-Fib shadow and no longer take the drugs. all is now quiet. I no longer have to be content with less…Life is good.”

Robert Dell, A-Fib free since 2002.

Robert shares his story:

“I was the master scenic artist for the ABC-TV soap opera “One Life To Live” in New York City… Like many of you, I was also athletic and also lived with daily stress, but I did not know what A-Fib was until I was 47…

Illness was not new to me as I had been spitting up blood from a lung condition called bronchiectasis coupled with chronic bronchitis for over fifteen years.

Specialists informed me that I had to live with it, although I might drown in my own blood while asleep if the rare chance of sudden vein rupture occurred. This made me somewhat reluctant to use Coumadin or aspirin….”

Over 90 Personal Stories of Hope and Courage: Many A-Fib.com readers have shared their personal experiences with A-Fib (starting with Steve Ryan’s story). Told in the first-person, each author tells their story to offer you hope, to encourage you and to bolster your determination to seek a life free of A-Fib. Learn more at: Personal A-Fib Stories of Hope.

I was reminded recently about an email I received from a woman in England. She described her horrendous A-Fib symptoms—palpitations, extreme fluttering, breathlessness and “absolute extreme fatigue.”

While her symptoms were troubling, the next part of her email really shocked me!

Her doctor said her breathlessness and exhaustion had nothing to do with her A-Fib. That these symptoms were all in her head. That she was exaggerating.

As an A-Fib community we think we’ve come a long way in our understanding of Atrial Fibrillation and how to treat it. Many of us have—but not everyone.

And what’s most surprising about this story is that her doctor was a woman! (It’s usually males who tell females that’s its all in their mind.) Go figure!?

“It’s All In Your Mind” her MD said.

Though the author of the email probably knew this already, I wrote back and explained to her:

”The symptoms you describe usually come along with Atrial Fibrillation (A-Fib). Fluttering, palpitations, feeling like your heart is going to jump out of your chest or that there are mice rolling bowling balls inside your heart―these are feelings most of us have who suffer from A-Fib.

You experience breathlessness and extreme fatigue because your heart isn’t pumping properly. Normally the upper part of your heart (the atria) squeeze blood down into the lower part (the ventricles) which then pump the blood to the rest of your body. But in A-Fib the upper part of your heart doesn’t squeeze down but instead quivers, vibrates, fibrillates. You lose 15%-30% of your normal pumping volume.

If you could look inside your heart, it would look like a plate of shaking Jell-O. Of course you feel breathlessness, fatigue, dizziness, etc.!”

Patient’s Want More Than Just the Facts

A-Fib patients need more than just an up-to-date, informed health provider. When people email me, they’re often not just seeking the facts about A-Fib. They’re also seeking support, understanding and empathy.

They need to know that they’re not alone in trying to deal with A-Fib.

Our A-Fib Support Volunteers

Your health provider many not offer the support you need to cope with your A-Fib.

I often tell them about our A-Fib Support Volunteers who are just an email away. We are blessed to have many generous people who have volunteered to help others get through their A-Fib ordeal. They’re fellow A-Fib patients or former patients who are there to listen and offer their support to others suffering from A-Fib. (Visit our A-Fib Support Volunteers page for more info and list of volunteers from around the world.)

Will You Share This Message?

Won’t you share this message with someone who is also suffering from A-Fib? Reassure them, and let them know they are not alone. (And refer them to our A-Fib Support Volunteers page for more info.)

Up to 40% of patients say their ‘quality of life’ has suffered due to their Atrial Fibrillation. For many that manifests as stress, fear and anxiety. It’s my opinion, electrophysiologists (EPs) generally don’t focus on, or effectively help patients deal with the distress that A-Fib often creates.

In his personal A-Fib story, Anthony Bladon shared his techniques for dealing with the mental stress of his A-Fib. He wrote, “The constant lurking fear that A-Fib may spontaneously return, is insidious. I absolutely needed to develop coping mechanisms.”

Anthony’s Two Anxiety-Busting Techniques

Anthony Blandon

First, he used a 17-minute audio relaxation exercise 1 on a daily basis (or more often) for months. He then went on to describe his second technique:

“In addition I developed an “anxiety thoughts log,” making myself write down word-for-word what the anxious thought was, as well as noting the physical event that seemed to trigger it.

By confronting my most extreme fears very explicitly (i.e., ‘Is this a TIA or A-Fib?’ ‘I’m afraid of a stroke, I might die or be disabled.’ I can’t contemplate a third ablation!’), it became easier to re-state and contextualize them in a more reasonable frame of mind, thereby reducing my anxiety.

And lastly, he offer this advise:

If fears of A-Fib prey on your mind, I encourage you to seek out the help of a professional psychologist, as I did. After a few sessions of consultation, and with the continued use of tools like these, I was fully able to cope.”

“I experienced several years of unnecessary suffering by accepting an opinion of one specialist [cardiologist] who said I would have to live with my A-Fib.

Don’t make the same mistake…research [your] treatment options.”

Warren Welsh, A-Fib free after changing cardiologists

In his personal A-Fib story, Warren continued: “I believe that unless there are special circumstances that might preclude ablation, any advice on treatment that is not directed towards a possible cure should be questioned.”

Browse from Over 90 Personal A-Fib Stories of Hope and Courage

Many A-Fib.com readers have shared their A-Fib personal experiences (starting with Steve Ryan’s story). Told in the first-person, symptoms will vary, and treatments choices run the full gamut. Some stories span years, even decades.

Each author tells their story to offer you hope, to encourage you and to bolster your determination to seek a life free of A-Fib. Learn more at Personal A-Fib Stories of Hope.

I’m pleased to welcome Warren Darakanada from Los Angeles, CA to our group of A-Fib Support Volunteers. At age 23, he’s one of our youngest volunteers. He hopes to be a resource for those patients closer to his age.

His cardiac health story started about 10 years ago. At age 13, a severe acne breakout landed him in the doctor’s office. While checking his vitals, a problem was found with his blood pressure (and an elevated cholesterol level). Warren shares:

Warren D.

“While the diastolic pressure was normal, the systolic was above 140 mmHg. Without a doubt, I needed to see a cardiologist. I went through a series of tests to rule out causes of secondary hypertension. Luckily or unluckily, nothing was found.

Over the next years, I had several EKGs, but it was not until a routine cardiologist visit when I was 18 that I was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation. I think I had A-Fib for some time prior to my diagnosis, but had no idea my heart beat was irregular. I was in shock! I didn’t know what to think or feel.

I was put on a beta-blocker and warfarin. Given my young age and the perpetual nature of atrial fibrillation, I knew I was headed toward a cardiac ablation.

Suffers Most from Mental and Psychological Effects: While I had few A-Fib symptoms, what I found hard to endure and most debilitating was the mental and psychological effects. I would ask myself:

‘Why is this happening to me and not anybody else?
Why can’t I go back to college and enjoy my freshman year with my friends?Given all these circumstances, is my life worth living?’

These questions may sound stupid to a mature person in good mental condition. But that wasn’t me. Remember, I was only 18 years old and just starting college… Continue reading Warren’s story…

Our A-Fib Support Volunteers Offer One-to-One Support

When you need someone who will listen and who understands A-Fib, our A-Fib Support Volunteers are just an email away. These volunteers have gone through a lot while seeking their A-Fib cure. They have been helped along the way and want to return the favor. Learn more.

Larry Stichweh from Lacey, WA, begins his A-Fib story at age 66 in 2008 with a 20 year history of high blood pressure.

“To investigate its possible causes, my doctor sent me to a urologist to look for a kidney stenosis problem. The ultrasound proved negative, but the urologist listened to my heart and noted an irregular beat. He ordered an ECG and after one look at it, he took me to his office, and said he was admitting me to the hospital right then and there. He said I had no “P” wave and was in A-FIB. Thus, began my A-FIB history.

I spent 6 days in the hospital while I was introduced to the arrhythmic drug, Sotalol. After I left the hospital, I had to report to a “Coumadin lab” every few days while they struggled to adjusted the Coumadin dosage to the target INR level.

High Blood Pressure and Intestinal Bleeding

A month later, I was back in the hospital when my blood pressure increased rapidly from my normal systolic of about 130mm to 200mm. Intestinal bleeding was found too, and eventually linked with the Coumadin. When it was discontinued, the intestinal bleeding stopped. Three units of blood brought my hemoglobin up to 11.5. I was put on aspirin instead (it was 2008, before the new NOACs).

Next 8 Years: Paroxysmal A-Fib Gets Worse

My A-FIB was clearly paroxysmal with episodes lasting between 1 and 2 days with 8 episodes over the next 8 years. When the last A-FIB attack lasted three weeks, it was time to consider an ablation. I was 74.

HAVE A STORY TO SHARE?

How about you!? Do you have a personal A-Fib experience to share with other patients? It can be your own story or perhaps the story of your spouse, parent or sibling. Just tell the story from your point-of-view. If you are interesting in offering your insights and ‘lessons learned’, read how to write and submit your A-Fib story!

“As I write about my A-Fib, I am 23 and just starting my adult life as a financial and economic consultant. But my cardiac story actually starts about ten years ago.

At age 13, I got a severe acne breakout that brought me to the doctor’s office. While waiting to see the doctor, a nurse decided to take my vitals and blood pressure. While the diastolic pressure was normal, the systolic was above 140 mmHg. Without a doubt, I needed to see a cardiologist.

Further investigation revealed that I also had an elevated cholesterol level. Luckily, my blood glucose level was normal. I went through a series of tests to rule out causes of secondary hypertension. Luckily or unluckily, nothing was found.

Since I was a low-risk patient who could benefit from lifestyle modification, and given my age, I was not prescribed any medication or procedure.

At Age 18, A Shock to be Diagnosed with A-Fib!

Over the next years, I had several EKGs, but it was not until a routine cardiologist visit when I was 18 that I was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation. I think I had A-Fib for some time prior to my diagnosis, but had no idea my heart beat was irregular.

I was 18, and in shock! I didn’t know what to do. I didn’t know what to think or feel.

I was in shock! I didn’t know what to do. I didn’t know what to think or feel. The attending cardiologist called in medical residents and fellows to show them that “this is what atrial fibrillation sounds like” through the stethoscope.

Referred to an electrophysiologist, I was put on a beta-blocker and warfarin. Given my young age and the perpetual nature of atrial fibrillation, I knew I was headed toward a cardiac ablation.

[For someone as young as Warren, it’s unthinkable to leave him taking dangerous A-Fib drugs for a lifetime (60 or 70 years). In addition, a catheter ablation was his most reasonable option with a high success rate in young people like Warren.]

Suffers Most from Mental and Psychological Effects

While I had few A-Fib symptoms, what I found hard to endure and most debilitating was the mental and psychological effects. I would ask myself:

‘Why is this happening to me and not anybody else?
Why can’t I go back to college and enjoy my freshman year with my friends?Given all these circumstances, is my life worth living?’

These questions may sound stupid to a mature person in good mental condition. But that wasn’t me. Remember, I was only 18 years old and just starting college, and college students are prone to depression for various reasons. (See Seven Ways to Cope with the Fear and Anxiety of A-Fib)

My solution: Instead of staying home and pondering about these life problems, I decided to keep myself busy with activities, online classes, and occasional meet-ups with friends.

In hindsight, that helped tremendously.

My Catheter Ablation

It was roughly 3 months between my diagnosis and my ablation in March 2013. So, I only “knowingly” lived with A-Fib for a few months before my ablation.

The day of my RF catheter ablation came just as any other day. I had been admitted the night before. Except for not eating after 9 pm, I did nothing to prepare myself for it. I think the procedure lasted about 1 1/2 hours. I stayed in the hospital overnight.

As a child, I had had many surgeries, so hospitalization was not a big deal. (To keep this short, I’ll skip my childhood medical history.)

Post Ablation

After the procedure, I was almost always in sinus rhythm. But my atrial fibrillation would come back intermittently. Most episodes were really short with the frequency decreasing over time. [This is common during the three-month ‘blanking period’ following an ablation.]

However, because my heart rate was not well controlled and because of the risks of recurrences, I was put on diltiazem, a calcium channel blocker.

Because of my hypertension and high cholesterol (added risk factors of atrial fibrillation), I am also on Cozaar and a statin.

Now A-Fib-Free

Since I started diltiazem, I’ve not had an episode…except one time after being under general anesthesia. The cardiologist believes that was a side effect of propofol [used to help you relax before and during general anesthesia for surgery].

It would be great if I could live without my various medications, but taking them, honestly, is not a big deal.

Lessons Learned

Emotionally Stronger and Healthier:I feel the entire A-Fib/ablation process has made me an emotionally stronger person. I also started to work out and take care of my own health more. (But that’s also a function of becoming more mature with age rather than the ablation alone.)

In the process, I have learned to enjoy and appreciate life in the way most people my age could never do.

I have learned to enjoy and appreciate life in ways others my age could never do.

Atrial Fibrillation―It Comes in a Package:By that I mean, cardiovascular disorders often come “packaged” together, often congenitally and genetically.

I’m trying to suggest that people with A-Fib/arrhythmia often have other cardiovascular risk factors. For instance, I have hypertension and high cholesterol and a family history thereof.

Moreover, cardiovascular diseases are also risk factors of diseases for other organs, such as the kidneys and liver.

My advice for younger patients diagnosed with Atrial Fibrillation:

Exercise:I would suggest that young adults work out more, at least 3 times a week for one hour each time.

Seek Help for Mental Health:For those suffering from A-Fib, make sure that you have a good attitude. Seek counseling if you have mental conditions from A-Fib.

Evaluate & Reduce Other Risk Factors: Young A-Fib patients should also see general cardiologists to evaluate A-Fib related risk factors.

When young people get A-Fib, they could be living with it for possibly more than 50 years. Take actions to reduce your risk factors and take care of your body.

Positive Attitude Trumps All:I’m dealing with my ‘package’ of conditions. While getting rid of my ‘package’ once and for all might not be an option for me, I can choose to live with a positive attitude.

Editor’s Comments:

We are most grateful to Warren for his frank discussion of how A-Fib affected him psychologically and emotionally. He was only 18 years old when diagnosed with A-Fib and just starting college. He’s learned the hard way how to develop a “positive attitude.”

Psychological Distress: For Warren, the psychological effects were hard to endure, much more so than his physical symptoms.

Recent research indicates that “psychological distress” worsens A-Fib symptoms’ severity. For many patients the anxiety, fear, worry and depression can become debilitating.

A-Fib Support Volunteers: I’m pleased to welcome Warren to our group of A-Fib Support Volunteers. He hopes to be a resource for those patients closer to his age. (He’s one of our youngest volunteers.)

We are blessed to have many generous people who have volunteered to help others get through their A-Fib ordeal. Most A-Fib Support Volunteers are not medical personnel. They come from widely different backgrounds. But you can be sure they care about you and understand what you are going through. Visit our A-Fib Support Volunteers page to learn more.

Larry Stichweh tells us about his 8 year journey with Atrial Fibrillaiton. It all started with his high blood pressure.

“It was taking an increasing level of meds to keep my blood pressure in check. At a routine office visit, I suggested to my doctor that we should look at possible causes of my high blood pressure.

My doctor agreed, and as a starting point, sent me to an urologist to look for a kidney stenosis problem. The ultrasound proved negative, but the urologist listened to my heart and noted an irregular beat. I had no known prior history of heart problems.

The urologist sent me down the hall for an ECG with instructions to have the technician give the chart to me to take back to him. He took one look at it, took me to his office, and said he was admitting me to the hospital right then and there. He put me in a wheel chair (even though I felt no symptoms) and off I went.

Many of the shared personal A-FIB experiences on A-Fib.com describe a long and complicated path to a cure. But mine, not so much.

But it did involve these issues: a bad experience with Coumadin, effective long-term use of Sotalol (Sotalol becoming an important component of my blood pressure control), significant congestion side effect of Eliquis, and a single successful cryogenic PVI ablation with no complications.

I hope my story is more typical of those who experience A-FIB (except for the Coumadin issue).

High Blood Pressure for 20 Years

My story begins at age 66 in 2008. I am a retired chemical engineer and was living in Pensacola FL. I had been successfully treated for high blood pressure for at least 20 years, working progressively through many hypertensive drugs and drug combinations. Up to this point my blood pressure was controlled near 120/80.

Urology Test Led to A-Fib Diagnosed at Age 66

It was taking an increasing level of meds to keep my blood pressure in check. At a routine office visit, I suggested to my doctor that we should look at possible causes of my high blood pressure.

He took one look at my ECG, took me to his office, and said he was admitting me to the hospital right then and there.

My doctor agreed, and as a starting point, sent me to an urologist to look for a kidney stenosis problem. The ultrasound proved negative, but the urologist listened to my heart and noted an irregular beat. I had no known prior history of heart problems.

The urologist sent me down the hall for an ECG with instructions to have the technician give the chart to me to take back to him. He took one look at it, took me to his office, and said he was admitting me to the hospital right then and there. He put me in a wheel chair (even though I felt no symptoms) and off I went.

He said I had no “P” wave and was in A-FIB. Thus, began my A-FIB history.

Hospitalized 6 Days: Started Arrhythmic Drug

I do not know how long I was in A-FIB at that point as I did not recognize any symptoms except for a bit of fatigue. My best guess was less than two weeks prior to discovery. I spent 6 days in the hospital while I was introduced to the arrhythmic drug, Sotalol, which requires a few days of monitoring at the start to watch for undesirable reactions.

I do not know how long I was in A-FIB at that point as I did not recognize any symptoms except for a bit of fatigue.

I also began anticoagulation therapy which starts with injected heparin and then migrates to Coumadin.

After 6 days in the hospital I was feeling well (though bored) but still in A-FIB. I requested a electroconversion. During the prep and anesthesia, I self-converted [back into sinus rhythm] and was sent home to begin adjusting the Coumadin level.

Weeks Spent Adjusting Coumadin Dosage

Now the “fun” begins. I left the hospital taking 160mg Sotalol/day and 5.0 mg Coumadin with an INR of about 2.5 on April 29, 2008. I had to report to a “Coumadin lab” every few days while they adjusted the Coumadin dosage to the target INR level.

Here is the history of the adjustments, as prescribed by the clinic technician, working toward a target INR of 2.5:

[SSR: These INR levels are too high for someone on Coumadin.] I spent the better part of a month above the target of 3.0.

On June 3, 2016 I was sitting at my computer in the morning when I noticed my blood pressure increasing rather rapidly from my normal systolic of about 130mm to 200mm.

I had my wife drive me to the emergency room where I was monitored due to the high blood pressure, and they noted I had been taking Coumadin.

Back to Hospital with High Blood Pressure Crisis

By midafternoon I was sitting in the ER and noted my vision was fading out to all white. The dropping blood pressure brought the staff in to put my head down and feet up which brought back my sight and consciousness. At this point the ER doctor said he had no idea what my problem was, and I was admitted to a hospital room. I seemed to be somewhat stabilized at this point but very weak.

That night a bowel movement was very large and resembled fresh asphalt which I informed the attendant of the next morning [sign of intestinal bleeding]. This information apparently did not make it into my record, a major oversight. No one ever asked about this possibility while I was there, and I was in no shape to think clearly.

The next three days I did not have the energy to sit up or eat any solid food. They ran many tests including a CT scan and frequent blood tests.

None of these produced any clue as to my problem.

That is until day four. After I had been drinking only water, my morning hemoglobin results came back at 7.0 (normal is 14) now that my blood volume was back to normal due to the water intake. I had lost 5 pints of blood.

My Small Intestine Bleeding Linked to Coumadin

At this point the several doctors on my case knew what to do, and three units of blood brought my hemoglobin up to 11.5. They concluded that the intestinal bleed had stopped on its own with the discontinuation of Coumadin and that I could be discharged.

With the discontinuation of Coumadin, the intestinal bleed had stopped on its own.

Poor Opinion of Hospital Care:This sequence of events does not reflect well on the hospital and staff and their record keeping. My wife was also not happy with the lack of communications with the cardiologist managing my case. I do not remember any discussions with any of the doctors.

A follow-up colonoscopy and endoscopy eliminated the back and front end leaving the small intestine as the default source of the bleed. At this point it was concluded that I should avoid Coumadin until such time as this problem in my small intestine is identified and corrected, if ever.

Switched to Aspirin:The newer anticoagulants, not requiring INR monitoring, were not yet available [in 2008]; so I was left on 81mg aspirin for anticoagulation.

Next 8 Years: Paroxysmal A-Fib Gets Worse

As time progressed my A-FIB was clearly paroxysmal with episodes lasting between 1 and 2 days with 8 episodes over the next 8 years. The interval between episodes ranged from 0.6 months to 22 months. This calculates out that I was in A-FIB only 1% of the time.

Symptoms were minimal, consisting of slight fatigue with the loss of the atrial pumping action and the noted irregular heartbeat.

I could not identify any thing that triggered or ended an A-FIB event. I always self-converted and had to pay attention to even note when the sinus rhythm returned.

When the last A-FIB attack lasted three weeks, it was time to consider an ablation.

Arrhythmic Drug:Sotalol dosage was adjusted between 160 and 240 mg/day with reductions when needed to increase the resting heat rate or increased as the A-FIB frequency and duration eventually began to increase. Fortunately, this A-FIB frequency meant that anticoagulation therapy was likely of little value in my case. [Some say that clots can form and cause an A-Fib stroke in only 24 hours.]

A-FIB Frequency and Duration Increase:Sotalol and other antiarrhythmic drugs typically are effective for only a few years at most, but in my case, Sotalol worked for 8 years before the A-FIB frequency and durations began increasing.

When the last A-FIB attack lasted three weeks, it was time to consider an ablation at age 74.

Elects CryoBalloon Ablation at Age 74

By this time [2016] cryogenic balloon ablations had become readily available in major medical centers in the US, and I was now living in the Seattle area. This was a major improvement over the RF burning ablations for the Pulmonary Veins, the most common sources of A-FIB.

My local cardiologist referred me to Dr. Derrell S. Wells with the Swedish Heart and Vascular Clinic at Cherry Hill in Seattle. (I had noted his listing on the A-Fib.com directory of doctors.) My local cardiologist had an echocardiogram done and forwarded it to Dr. Wells who reviewed my echocardiogram and medical history. He concluded I was a good fit for a cryogenic PVI ablation.

My EP Skilled in Both CryoBalloon and RF Ablation Techniques

My left atrium was enlarged but still within the acceptable range. He could also do RF ablations at the same time if other active electrical sites were found. Dr. Wells looked at my Coumadin adjustment experience and commented that it was no wonder I had a bleeding problem.

My EP could also do RF ablations at the same time if other active electrical sites were found.

Surprisingly, there was only a 6-week waiting time between the initial appointment and the ablation procedure. The day before, I reported for x-rays and an MRI to create a three-dimensional model of my heart for use in the procedure. The clinic had at least two MRI units and at least one was a 3 Tesla unit.

Stopping Sotalol Causes Problems

Three days before the ablation I was to stop the Sotalol. (During the procedure, they do not want a drug suppressing any A-FIB tendency.)

Stopping the Sotalol proved to be a significant problem for me. Two days after stopping the Sotalol, I reported for the MRI and a checkup by Dr. Well’s nurse practitioner.

My heart rate was above 100, blood pressure was high, and I had the “shakes” so much that I could not sign my name in a recognizable script.

The nurse said if I thought it necessary, I could take a Sotalol which I did. One hour later I was back to normal.

CryoBalloon Ablation: Successful 2.5-hour Procedure

The next morning, I was prepped for the catheter procedure.

Dr. Wells used conscious sedation, but I was totally unaware of anything during the 2.5-hour procedure. All four pulmonary veins were ablated using two freeze-thaw cycles for each vein. Electrical isolation was confirmed.

No Significant Bleeding/No Complications:No other A-FIB sources could be identified, and an arrhythmic event could not be chemically induced. Total fluoroscopic time was 11.5 minutes, a relatively low time. No significant bleeding issues were experienced at the catheter insertion point. Dr. Wells said that my case was a “text book” case with no complications during the procedure.

Blood Pressure/Heartrate Alarm:Later that evening my blood pressure and heartrate increased significantly as I had not taken a Sotalol for 30 hours. I asked the nurse to give me 120mg of Sotalol which he did after consulting the on-call doctor. Again, that solved the problem within the hour.

I was discharged the following morning.

Most Patients Not on Sotalol for 8 Years: Dr. Wells said he had not seen a case where Sotalol had provided a significant contribution to blood pressure control, but then most patients have not been taking it for 8 years.

Recovery―Replacing Eliquis with Pradaxa

Over the next several months the Sotalol was gradually replaced by another blood pressure medication (Carvedilol added to Losartan and Torsemide).

Eliquis caused me significant congestion, trouble breathing, and wheezing. It was replaced by Pradaxa with no issues.

Eliquis was prescribed for at least three months after the ablation to avoid blood clots while the heart tissue healed. Eliquis caused me significant congestion, trouble breathing, and wheezing. It was replaced by Pradaxa with no further issues.

I should also note that I had been taking 20mg/day of Omeprazole for 6 years for gastritis which may have helped me tolerate the Pradaxa, but this is pure conjecture.

After One Year Still A-Fib Free

During the three months [blanking period] following the ablation I experienced no A-FIB events. But I did observe a few missed heart beats ranging from 1 to 10 that gradually diminished to zero.

There were no irregular heartbeats as experienced with A-FIB. After three months, I was given a wearable battery powered cardiac monitor for two weeks which was then mailed off for analysis.

Off Pradaxa: The results came back in a normal range, and Dr. Wells gave me permission to discontinue the Pradaxa. Almost one year later I continue to be A-FIB free.

Self-Monitoring of Blood Pressure & Pulse: I monitor my blood pressure frequently, and the unit I use will also detect an irregular heartbeat. I can also feel the pulse in my wrist. This takes about 5 seconds to do, requires no equipment and can be done anywhere and at any time. It was obvious when I was in A-Fib.

Lessons Learned:

I guess the point of my story is that even if your symptoms are minimal and paroxysmal, do not hesitate to consider an ablation if you begin moving toward persistent A-FIB.

Don’t Delay Too Long:The rapid advances in ablation procedures over the last 20 years suggest delaying if possible, but not beyond the point of a diminishing probability of a successful cure.

Larry Stichweh
lastic1(at)live.com

Editor’s Comments:

Larry’s Easily Cured Case: We’re grateful to Larry for sharing his A-Fib story of being cured by a single, short CryoBalloon ablation, which is similar to the experience of most A-Fib patients (unlike many of the stories in A-Fib.com which tend to be unusual and often heroic).

Success with Sotalol:Larry had remarkable success with the antiarrhythmic drug Sotalol which also has beta-blocker properties. But don’t count on any antiarrhythmic drug to control or eliminate A-Fib for 8 years. Most antiarrhythmic drugs tend to lose their effectiveness over time, as Sotalol eventually did for Larry.

Anticoagulants are Considered High Risk Drugs:Coumadin and all anticoagulants are considered high risk medications. They work by causing or increasing bleeding. Even though they are certainly preferable to having an A-Fib stroke, they carry their own set of risks.

Larry could have died from his internal bleeding. He will have to monitor and watch out for GI bleeding probably for the rest of his life.

But on the other hand, Larry was having A-Fib episodes longer than 24 hours which can cause clots and strokes. One of the most difficult decisions you and your doctor have to make is whether or not to be on an anticoagulant and which one to take. And that decision may change as you do.

Continued Monitoring: Larry will see Dr. Wells or his colleagues for at least once a year (but, like me, probably for the rest of his life).

He may want to make sure he doesn’t slip back into silent A-Fib, so he may use DIY monitors at home to check himself regularly.

Our Personal Experiences stories are one of the most visited areas of A-Fib.com. Dozens have shared their personal experience (starting with the Steve Ryan’s story in 1998). Each story is told in their own words. Many stories span years, even decades. Symptoms will vary, and treatments choices run the full gamut as well as their ‘Lessons Learned’.

Recent Additions to our Gallery of A-Fib Personal Stories

These A-Fib patients have been where you are right now. Each author tells their story to help bolster your determination to seek a life free of A-Fib.

Frances K.

Frances Koepnickfrom Athens, GA, was diagnosed with silent persistent A-Fib in 2014. Unlike many other stories on A-Fib.com, Frances was familiar with Atrial Fibrillation. She’s the third person in her family with A-Fib—after her mother and older sister. (However, they both had paroxysmal A-Fib). Read about her 3-year journey to a life free of the burden of A-Fib. Continue reading Frances’ story.

Charn Deol

Charn Deol, Richmond, BC, Canada. It’s been a 23-year ordeal for him. He was 43 and had just returned to Canada after working for years in Southeast Asia when he was first aware of a few skipped heartbeats. A week later, the irregular heart beating got worse and was diagnosed as A-Fib. At the same time, Charn was discovered to have a second medical problem—very high levels of mercury in his blood. Continue reading Charn’s story.

Roger Finnern

Roger Finnern, from Tempe, AZ, shared about 4 years in chronic asymptomatic Atrial Fibrillation. He writes about being on amiodarone, how he did a sleep apnea study (at home), and used acupuncture to help reduce his A-Fib symptoms. He writes, at age 67: “I had a cardiologist who wanted me to do nothing but take a low dose aspirin and live with it. After two years of being in Chronic A-Fib, I went out on my own…”continue reading Roger’s story.

Note: Patients sharing their personal experiences are often quite frank about the treatments received, their doctors and medical centers. Their opinions are their own.

HAVE A STORY TO SHARE?

How about you!? Do you have a personal A-Fib experience to share with other patients? It can be your own story or perhaps the story of your spouse, parent or sibling. Just tell the story from your point-of-view. If you are interesting in offering your insights and ‘lessons learned’, read how to write and submit your A-Fib story!

Disclaimer: the authors of this Web site are not medical doctors and are not affiliated with any medical school or organization. The information on this site is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health professional prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Nothing contained in this service is intended to be for medical diagnosis or treatment.